Ventral spondylodesis: basic method in the treatment of cervical spine injuries

Ventral spondylodesis or ventrofixation is the most important surgical method for the treatment of severe cervical spine injuries accompanied by instability. Its wide indications include fracture-dislocations, compression fractures of the vertebral body, injuries to the disc, luxations, 'tear drop fractures' as well as "hangman's fractures". The essential parts of its technique: previous reduction by traction, anterior cervical approach, removal of the injured parts of vertebral body and disc(s), replacement by corticocancellous bone graft with subsequent plate-screw fixation. The authors performed in their Institute nearly 100 operations of this type, in a 10-year period of which; detailed account is given. Good results of surgery can be expected only by ensuring adequate technical conditions and professional knowledge, performing the operations in centres having sufficient experience.